Promoting genetic and genomic practices among allied healthcare professionals and nurses: a systematic review

Genetic practices are increasingly recognised as essential components of modern healthcare. Allied health professionals and nurses are ideally placed to initiate discussions about genetic investigations with patients and families. However, there are known barriers such as a lack of confidence and knowledge. A key step to addressing these barriers is identifying implementation strategies that support the integration of genetics across healthcare disciplines. We conducted a systematic review to identify empirical and conceptual implementation strategies to support genetic practices among allied health professionals and nurses. We searched CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published from 2020. Twenty-eight full-text articles were included in the review. Identified implementation strategies were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify key areas for behaviour change. Empirical strategies, including workshops, online learning, case-based education, and leadership development, demonstrated positive effects on supporting genetic integration into clinical practice. Conceptual strategies identified included: (1) education/learning, (2) professional development, (3) policy, (4) evaluation tools, and (5) educational resources. The TDF domains of Knowledge, Social Influences, and Social/Professional Role and Identity were commonly found, while the TDF domains of Intentions, Reinforcement, Optimism, Emotion and Goals were underrepresented. Findings demonstrate that empirical and conceptual implementation strategies lack evaluation and tend to focus solely on commonly targeted domains. Future research is needed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementation strategies, explore the underrepresented domains, and support efforts to increase genetic literacy and practices among allied health professionals and nurses.